| Kommentar |
This seminar introduces students to one of the most popular and ‘most American’ of film genres: the road movie. Before starting our discussion of feminist adaptations of and alterations to classical definitions of the road movie genre since the early 1990s, we will make ourselves familiar with the history of the American road movie since the 1960s. What characterizes the road movie genre? How can it be defined in terms of its iconography, subject matter, style, and possible endings? Why is the road movie an explicitly American type of film?
Although the road movie genre tends to be read as a ‘masculine’ film genre, this seminar focuses four feminist films: Thelma & Louise (1991), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Cloudburst (2011), and The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had with My Pants On (2012). We will critically examine in how far the movies address issues like, for example, (the overcoming of) gender stereotypes, female self-empowerment, (the rejection of) hegemonic beauty standards, (non-)heteronormative sexualities, (national) border-crossings, aging, and generationality.
Please note: This seminar includes two ‘mini-conferences’ at which students will have to give oral presentations. The mini-conferences will be held on 7 July (2-7 pm; C5 3, E20) and 14 July (2-7 pm, C5 3, E20). All students must attend!!!
Readings:
A course reader including theoretical and secondary texts will be made available for purchase.
Course requirements: Regular attendance, active participation, reading and writing assignments, oral project presentation at our mini conference, graded term paper or final written exam or graded oral presentation (depending on your Studienordnung). |
